2014 World Cup: Mexico Fans Should Rejoice Draw against Brazil

Coming into their second Group A game here in the 2014 World Cup, Mexico faced the task of taking on the host nation Brazil in a game that while would not determine if they qualify and advance into the knockout stages, a positive result would put them one step closer. In the lead up to the game, something unique was taking place with regards to the Mexican National Team. The talk from many was in form that Mexico could get a positive result from this game. And why not as Mexico has a very positive display in defeating Cameroon while Brazil left alot of doubts in their display over Croatia.

Aside from the positive talk by those who follow and make their living talking about the Mexican National Team, several other things in the lead up to the game made one feel like Mexico could steal a good result.. On Sunday night outside the team hotel in Fortaleza, something incredible happened which was organic. Outside the team hotel, hundreds if not thousands of Mexican National team fans serenaded the team in what was a show of we are here supporting you with everything. And guess what, all the team, players, coaching staff, and technical staff responded by coming down from their rooms and onto the hotel’s balcony to partake in this impromptu party. Without a doubt, it was an incredible scene and sight which got one hyped for Tuesday’s game.

Going into the game, all as a fan of ‘El Tri’ that I asked for was that this team give a good display, play well, show no fear, and be respectable in their display against Brazil.

What did we get?

What we got was a team who in the first 15-20 minutes played a little nervous as they were unable to retain and maintain possession for sustained stretches but after a while began to find its way into the game. We saw a team even when it was a little nervous, showed no fear from the beginning. After that nervous beginning, what we saw was a team who executed its gameplan and intended to execute it to the fullest.

We saw a Mexico team in attack whose midfielders did a very good j0b of retaining possession and creating scoring opportunities with some lethal shots from distance. The trio of Andres Guardado, Juan Jose Vasquez, and Hector Herrera was magnificent. What we saw was a team whose wing backs showed the tactical discipline needed to prevent Brazil from exploding and being a constant menace in attack throughout the game. With the score 0-0 at the half, their was a feeling of content and hoping that this team could produce a fine display in the second half to get that much desired positive result.

In the second half, what we saw was a Mexico team who in the first 25 minutes of the second half who took the game to Brazil in attack and where the aggressor. And when Brazil reversed this trend, we saw a Mexico team who was resolute and held firm. Led by Rafael Marquez, we saw a defense who in general showed composure when playing the ball out in the back despite the potential threat of Neymar potentially sneaking up behind them to steal the ball. We saw a team whose three substitutes, Marco Fabian, Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez, and Raul Jimenez come in and continue to carry out the gameplan set forth by coach Miguel Herrera.

And when Brazil did break through was ready to open the scoreline in their favor, Guillermo Ochoa was their to save the day and be the hero of the match. It cannot be said enough how great Guillermo Ochoa was on this day, a player whose career has seen a few difficult times but has persevered and when it looked likely he would not even be named to the World Cup squad, he played his way onto it. Then it appeared he would not even be the starter but again, he played his way into the starting eleven. What a great game from a player who has been dubbed San Memo Ochoa by Mexican National Team fans for his display.

While there is still another group game left to go and hopefully several more afterwards, all Mexican fans should rejoice this result against Brazil on this day. The way the team played and the mindset they had for this game was one which made all of us fans of the team feel proud of what we saw in Fortaleza. Hopefully this is the first of many results of such magnitude that lay ahead for Mexico at this level. Yes, there is a game against Croatia to be played, yes there are a few things that need to be addressed and corrected but at least for the next few days, Mexican National Team fans should enjoy this result and continue to embrace this team while dreaming of continued glory.

Lucas Carreras is a contributing Mexican National Team and Liga MX writer for Stoppage Time Soccer. You can follow Lucas on Twitter by following him @maldini3fan

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